Hartlebury Church of England (Voluntary Controlled) Primary School take safeguarding responsibilities very seriously. We have a Safeguarding Children Policy, which includes Child Protection. We provide staff and volunteers with procedures and guidance to follow when they suspect a child may be experiencing abuse or be at risk of harm. We work cooperatively with other agencies to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.

Our school believes that it is always unacceptable for a child to experience abuse of any kind. We recognise our responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all children. We will ensure that our concerns about our pupils are discussed with parents/carers first – unless we have reason to believe that such a move would be contrary to the child’s welfare.

We have a statutory responsibility to report concerns of abuse to Children’s Social Care and/or Police without discussing with parents first, where there is an indication that a child is at risk of significant harm.

Everyone who comes into contact with children, their families and carers, has a role to play in safeguarding children.  In order to fulfil this responsibility effectively we make sure our approach is child-centred.  This means we consider at all times what is in the best interests of the child.  We provide good lines of communication for children with trusted adults, supportive friends in a culture of safeguarding children and parents/carers have a right to expect that the educational establishment creates a safe environment so that it can fulfil its ‘duty of care’.